Self-Cleaning Squeegee System for Semi-Autonomous Floor Cleaners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-autonomous cleaning devices require frequent human intervention for maintenance due to accumulation of waste on cleaning components like squeegees, leading to reduced operational autonomy and increased labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning squeegee system integrated with semi-autonomous cleaning devices, which disperses pressurized cleaning fluid onto the squeegee to remove waste, using a manifold connected to an external or internal fluid distribution system, allowing for automated cleaning without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If human intervention is used to clean squeegees on semi-autonomous cleaning devices, then cleaning performance is maintained, but operational autonomy is reduced and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The squeegee cleaning system enables the cleaning device to clean its own squeegees autonomously. The manifold dispenses cleaning fluid onto the squeegee, and the drive wheel agitates and rinses it, eliminating the need for human intervention in squeegee maintenance while preserving operational autonomy
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical cleaning process is replaced with an automated fluid-based system. Pressurized cleaning fluid is delivered through the manifold to the squeegee, substituting human hands and tools with an automated fluid delivery and agitation mechanism
2Productivity
If squeegees are cleaned manually, then waste is removed from cleaning components, but operational interruptions occur and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-cleaning system allows the cleaning device to operate continuously without interruption for squeegee maintenance. The automated cleaning process occurs during normal operation or between tasks, eliminating downtime and maintaining continuous productive action
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device performs its own maintenance function autonomously, removing waste from squeegees without requiring external human intervention or operational shutdown, thereby maintaining continuous productivity
3Reliability
If cleaning fluid is dispensed onto the squeegee, then waste is removed from the squeegee surface, but additional components and system complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold, originally designed for dispensing cleaning fluid onto floors, is repurposed to also clean the squeegee. This multi-functional use of existing components achieves effective squeegee cleaning without adding separate dedicated cleaning systems, thereby limiting complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold acts as an intermediary component that delivers cleaning fluid to both the floor surface and the squeegee. The drive wheel serves as another intermediary that provides mechanical agitation and rinsing action, enabling effective cleaning through coordinated intermediate elements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The self-cleaning squeegee system maintains cleaning performance by automating the cleaning process, reducing the need for human intervention and increasing the operational efficiency of semi-autonomous cleaning devices, enabling them to clean larger surfaces before requiring maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The self-cleaning squeegee system can disperse pressurized cleaning fluid, e.g., water or a mixture of water and soap, via the manifold to clean the surface of a squeegee
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a self-cleaning squeegee that is integrated with a semi-autonomous cleaning device includes a frame coupled to the cleaning device. A squeegee is coupled to the frame and oriented such that an edge of the squeegee is in close proximity to a surface, e.g., a floor, for cleaning. A manifold configured to receive a cleaning fluid is coupled to the frame and oriented such that the cleaning fluid can be dispersed onto at least a portion of the squeegee. A connecting member is used to couple the manifold to an external fluid distribution system that provides the cleaning fluid. The self-cleaning squeegee system can thus disperse pressurized cleaning fluid, e.g., water or a mixture of water and soap, via the manifold to clean the surface of a squeegee. In this manner, the self-cleaning squeegee system can clean squeegees on the cleaning device without the need for human intervention.